Daryl Mitchell delivered a spectacular batting performance to steer New Zealand to a commanding seven-wicket triumph over India in the second ODI at Rajkot on Wednesday. The victory levels the three-match series at 1-1, setting up a decisive final encounter.
New Zealand’s clinical chase of India’s 284/7 marked their highest-ever successful run pursuit on Indian soil. Mitchell’s unbeaten 131 from 117 balls proved instrumental after the visitors found themselves in early trouble at 46-2. The 34-year-old batsman showcased exceptional form, building a crucial 162-run partnership with Will Young (87) that effectively dismantled India’s bowling attack.
India’s innings had been anchored by KL Rahul’s magnificent unbeaten 112 from 92 deliveries, his highest score in ODI cricket and eighth century in the format. Despite Rahul’s heroics, New Zealand’s Kristian Clarke made significant early breakthroughs by dismissing top-order stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and Virat Kohli.
Mitchell’s innings wasn’t without fortune—he received a reprieve on 80 when Prasidh Krishna dropped a difficult chance. The batsman capitalized fully on this opportunity, registering his eighth ODI century while demonstrating why he accumulated 761 runs in 2025 at an impressive average of 54.35.
Post-match, Mitchell expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance: ‘We haven’t won here for a couple of years. Nice to get a win. I’m just enjoying doing the job for the country.’ He particularly praised his partnership with Young, noting ‘He’s a class player, I love batting with him, we also have fun batting together.’
Indian captain Shubman Gill acknowledged his team’s shortcomings: ‘We did get a decent start with the ball, but they batted very well in the middle overs. We could have been more brave, and taken more chances.’
The series now moves to Indore for the final ODI, after which both teams will contest a five-match T20I series as preparation for next month’s Twenty20 World Cup.